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The Lagos State Government has intensified its clampdown on illegal developments as officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, began a fresh round of demolitions in the Ikate-Elegushi corridor.
The move forms part of a broader statewide effort to eliminate structures erected without statutory approvals or in violation of physical planning regulations.
The operation, executed jointly by the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Office of Urban Development, and LASBCA, specifically targeted buildings found to be encroaching on drainage channels, exceeding approved construction limits, or posing risks to public safety and environmental integrity.
Chairman of the House Committee on Physical Development, Sylvester Ogunkelu, said the Assembly fully endorses the intensified enforcement drive, stressing that adherence to building standards cannot be compromised in a mega city like Lagos.
“In a state as densely populated as ours, unregulated construction places unnecessary strain on infrastructure and exposes residents to avoidable dangers,” Ogunkelu said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, who was also present during the operation, noted that illegal structures continue to undermine the state’s urban development plans and environmental safeguards.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting LASBCA in ensuring that all construction activities comply with established regulations.
Acting General Manager of LASBCA, Gbaye Florence, explained that affected property owners had been served several notices, including stop-work directives and demolition orders, but chose to ignore them.
She warned that the agency would no longer condone deliberate violations of the law, adding that unapproved buildings often lack proper structural integrity and pose serious threats to lives and property.
Following the Ikate-Elegushi exercise, the enforcement team extended its operations to the Lekki-Ikoyi axis, where additional illegal constructions were uncovered.
Several buildings erected beneath high-tension power lines were marked for immediate removal due to their extreme safety risks.
Officials used the opportunity to caution residents and developers, emphasizing that the era of impunity in building construction is over.
They reiterated that the ongoing cleanup would span every part of the state, especially areas vulnerable to flooding, erosion, or other environmental hazards.
During the routine enforcement in Lekki-Ikoyi, the team also met with community members, reminding them that disregard for building approvals carries severe consequences.
Ogunkelu stressed that the House of Assembly would continue backing agencies involved in sanitizing the built environment, adding that the government is determined to protect citizens and restore order in the physical development sector.
He also vowed that the state will “do its utmost best” to reclaim public or private property illegally taken over by land grabbers.
The Lagos State Government urged developers, landlords, and prospective homeowners to follow due process by obtaining valid approvals before commencing construction, warning that ignorance of the law will not be accepted as a defence.
